What Does It Really Mean to Follow Jesus?

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.’” — Matthew 16:24

We say it all the time: “I’m following Jesus. ”It sounds good. It looks great in a bio or on a hoodie. But when you stop and really think about it—what does that actually mean?

Is following Jesus just about believing He exists? Is it going to church, reading your Bible, or listening to worship music?

Those things are awesome—but following Jesus is deeper than that. It’s not just something you say—it’s something you live.

Let’s break it down together.

🙌 Following Jesus Starts with Surrender

To follow Jesus, you have to stop following something else. Yourself. The crowd. The culture. Your feelings.

“Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me…” – Matthew 16:24

That’s not just poetic—it’s radical.

It means laying down your version of life and trusting Him with the pen. It means saying:

• “Not my will, but Yours.”

• “Not what I want, but what You want.”

• “Not just on Sunday—but every day.”

Surrender isn’t weakness—it’s the beginning of real strength.

🔥 It’s a Daily Choice, Not a One-Time Decision

You don’t “arrive” at being a follower of Jesus. You become one—daily.

Every day, you choose to pick up your cross. Every day, you decide to walk His way, not your own. Every day, your life starts looking more like His—not perfectly, but faithfully.

That’s what it means to follow: you walk where He walks—even when it’s uphill.

❤️ It’s a Relationship, Not Just a Religion

Following Jesus isn’t about rules—it’s about relationship.

Yes, obedience matters. Yes, holiness matters. But the goal isn’t behavior—it’s connection.

Jesus wants your heart, not just your habits. He wants you to walk with Him, talk with Him, listen, learn, and grow. Like a best friend. Like a Shepherd. Like the King He is.

“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” — John 10:27

If you’re not sure what your next step is, start with this: Get close to Him. Hear His voice. Stay near.

⚔️ It Won’t Always Be Easy—But It Will Always Be Worth It

Following Jesus means you're going against the grain. Sometimes you’ll feel misunderstood. Alone. Set apart. Even rejected.

But you’re in good company. That’s exactly how Jesus lived—and how His followers always have.

“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

You may have to walk away from things. You may have to stand up when it’s uncomfortable. But you’ll never do it alone.

Jesus walks with those who walk with Him.

🌱 What Following Jesus Actually Looks Like

Here’s what it might look like on a regular day:

• Talking to Him while brushing your teeth

• Opening your Bible, even when you’re tired

• Saying “no” to sin—even when no one’s watching

• Choosing love when you feel like giving attitude

• Walking in peace when the world is full of fear

• Standing for truth when everyone else is silent

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being devoted.

🕊️ Final Thoughts

Following Jesus isn’t a label. It’s a lifestyle. It means Jesus isn’t just part of your life—He is your life.

So if you’ve been halfway in, or just going through the motions—it’s not too late to follow fully. He’s not asking you to be perfect. He’s asking you to come.

Follow Him with your questions. Follow Him with your flaws. Follow Him with your whole heart.

Because where He’s going is where you were always meant to be.